As one of the most fearsome predators in the animal kingdom, crocodiles are both intimidating and awe-inspiring. With powerful jaws and sharp teeth, they can take down prey with astonishing precision and agility with ease. However, this video shows us that even a crocodile is no match for a pack of mighty lions.
Lions are powerful and noble animals, worthy of respect and admiration – few animals can match the lioness for strength and dignity. With her muscular frame and fierce eyes, the lioness exudes an air of stoic confidence that is infectious. From their swaggering gait to the calculated movements they make when approaching their prey, it’s clear that lionesses have a powerful presence in many African ecosystems.
Threats don’t solve problems
© Alexander Machulskiy/Shutterstock.com
The video below captures these mighty lionesses in pride near an African riverbank as they feast on a dead hippopotamus. However, just as the lionesses are enjoying their meal, an uninvited guest shows up – a crocodile, who decides to get involved.
Despite their intimidating presence, alligators rely on stealth to get close to unsuspecting victims before launching a violent attack. You should never underestimate the raw power and violence of a crocodile. The crocodile in the video slides silently across the river and makes a beeline for lions feeding on the bank. However, his stealth is no match for the lion’s keen senses.
The crocodile lifted its head out of the water, opened its mouth wide, and snarled, baring its teeth, in an attempt to intimidate the lioness into sharing dinner with him. But these fearless felines were not at all attracted by his aggressive attitude; if anything, they showed more curiosity than concern about his presence.
In fact, one of the lionesses immediately turned its attention back to the dead hippo and continued feeding, and the other four slowly followed suit. Only a lone lioness remained on the bank of the river, watching the intruders.
lion vs crocodile
Lions are large, muscular mammals. They usually weigh over 500 pounds, stand 4 feet tall and grow to 8 feet long. Alligators, on the other hand, may be heavier and longer. The largest alligator ever recorded weighed 2,000 pounds and was over 20 feet long! It’s easy to see why these sneaky reptiles are considered fearsome predators.
Lions are fast on land, but when it comes to swimming, crocodiles can’t beat them. Maybe if it was just one lion facing off against a crocodile – but what about five lions? Even this alligator is smart enough to know that the odds are not in his favor at all.
Next:
- 13 Exciting Lion Facts!
- Watch a lioness fight an entire pack of wild dogs
- Watch a lioness capture a crocodile and keep it all for herself
- Lion Predators: What Eats Lions?
I am broadly interested in how human activities influence the ability of wildlife to persist in the modified environments that we create.
Specifically, my research investigates how the configuration and composition of landscapes influence the movement and population dynamics of forest birds. Both natural and human-derived fragmenting of habitat can influence where birds settle, how they access the resources they need to survive and reproduce, and these factors in turn affect population demographics. Most recently, I have been studying the ability of individuals to move through and utilize forested areas which have been modified through timber harvest as they seek out resources for the breeding and postfledging phases. As well I am working in collaboration with Parks Canada scientists to examine in the influence of high density moose populations on forest bird communities in Gros Morne National Park. Many of my projects are conducted in collaboration or consultation with representatives of industry and government agencies, seeking to improve the management and sustainability of natural resource extraction.
